I was absolutely thrilled to snag cheap tickets to Seoul, South Korea back in 2017. However, I found out that it was Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival) period… which meant that the atmosphere was different.
I had been to South Korea only once, staying for a month mostly in Seoul. It was during the same year (2017) for summer exchange to Kyung Hee University, which you can read my experiences here.
For this trip, it was more of a backpacking style. During my summer exchange, I hadn’t had the opportunity to explore cities outside of Seoul. After visiting 4 smaller cities, I highly recommend that you do set your shopping bucketlist and explore beyond the capital.
Without further ado… here’s a photojourney to the beautiful places in South Korea.
Daejeon
We rented a bicycle and explored the main areas. One of the highlights was the Hanbat Arboretum, but it was already closed when we got there.
Then, we went hiking at a local mountain. It has been a while so I can’t remember which mountain I went to.
I came across a very beautiful place of worship. As it was Chuseok, the family names were decorated on paper lanterns and hung on strings that span across the compound.
Chuseok was always such that it was two-three weeks before fall, so the leaves were starting to turn a beautiful shade of red. It’s not yet peaked, but beautiful still to see the contrasts between the greens and reds.
Chungju
I remembered that buying a ticket to Chungju required proper pronunciation. Not to be confused with Cheongju, a more common destination for both foreigners and tourists alike.
If I were to describe Chungju, it was the most rural city, even more rural than Andong. Public transportation was scarce and the air was sort of dusty. It was a very different vibe than the usual Seoul, Busan and even Daejeon.
I remembered that our accommodation was super run-down, but for the price, it was hard to beat. Anyway, I only wanted to hike. As they always say (they as in… I don’t know), the more rural the places are, the more beautiful the nature.
And very right, they are.
Hiking in South Korea is a great way to be fit. The views? Absolutely beautiful.
Andong
This city truly holds a special place in my heart. I met beautiful ladies who were Taiwanese and Koreans, and together we enjoyed Andong Festival. Chuseok is a very special period for Andong as a province.
It truly felt like the entire province was there to party.
The next day, we had Andong jjimdalk (chicken) which is a delicious delicacy of this region. Highly recommended! Sorry though, I have no photos for that. However, we went to explore a beautiful place where a scholar of the past started his school.
Sokcho
This place is known to host the highest mountain in the Taebaek region – Seoraksan. I went to hike the Ulsanbawi trail, doable for a half-day trip. Absolutely stunning.
Sokcho is a place for you to explore both the sea and the mountains.
Finally… it was time to head back to…
Seoul
We hiked a mountain that was near one of the SKY universities. I think it was Seoul University.
The view was definitely different, with more buildings in the distance.
Would I go back to South Korea?
Yes, definitely. Perhaps not for the shopping streets like Itaewon, Myeongdong or others, but to explore other provinces. I haven’t been to Busan either, so perhaps my next trip will entail that?
For sure, I am missing South Korea, especially Chungju’s beauty!
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